Remember the Splinter, the all wood supercar that looked like nothing more than a clever design mock up?
Apparently it’s quite a bit more than that, as Joe Harmon Design has begun fabrication, and the body is already starting to take shape.
The car’s frame and driveline are based on a central rigid tube section with the suspension and other necessary parts from a C4 Corvette mounted to it. However, as much as possible will be kept in wood form for authenticity’s sake.
The engine is a Northstar V8 run backwards, with the exhaust and intake sides switched around. Intakes sit underneath the cylinder banks, and two roots style superchargers feed air in through individual intercoolers
The wooden component fabrication process includes building a mold/frame, and then laminating layers of veneer into the desired shape.
Check out the site for more details, including live webcam shots and a building blog.
[Joe Harmon Design - Splinter]
[Building The Splinter]
[Via: Jalopnik]
Sure, you could coat your Mustang in the body of an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, but it’s still going to be American muscle on the inside, right?
Apparently not, as one crafty ‘stang owner has managed to find room for the Vanquish’s V12 motor between the wheel wells of an already tastily modified pony.
Check out the video for more info, including the exhaust sound that was never supposed to come out of a car costing less than $100,000:
[Via: Autoblog]
Apparently, automakers that dabble in carbon fiber also have a penchant for high-end stereo equipment, because they seem to enjoy lending their name to pieces of audio art.
This Pagani system features an aluminum and carbon fiber turntables, CD player, and speaker pair that’s designed to mimic the Zonda’s sound system controls with additional details like the Zonda exhaust themed ports tying the two together.
I guess if you an afford a Zonda, then they assume you can afford something like this; because I don’t imagine shock absorbing carbon fiber turntables are a cheap addition to any home.
[Pagani]
[Via: NOTCOT]
How does a Ford Festiva become a part of Tuner Tuesday?
It gets a V8 transplant and exhaust that sticks through the roof; that’s how.
This Festiva, nicknamed “Lost Innocence”, features a 355-cubic-inch Chevy V8 (mounted in the rear), front wheel drive via a BMW 325i/Audi 90 limited-slip front axle, and future plans for a pair of FLAMETHROWERS.
Need I say more?
Didn’t think so.
[Edit: Jalopnik now has a video too!]
[Car Domain - Lost Innocence]
[Via: Jalopnik]
If the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster just doesn’t do it for you, then maybe you need to check out the Brabus edition. (Or get a better sense of what does it for you.)
Featuring a new front spoiler made of exposed carbon fiber, a carbon fiber rear diffuser, 20 inch Brabus Monoblock VI wheels, special camshafts, a fuel cooling system, high-performance exhaust (the car is now up to 650hp from the supercharged V8) and a clutch-type limited-slip differential, the roadster will now get to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a new top speed of 209 mph.
Inside, there’s now custom leather trim, a flat-bottom sports steering wheel with integrated buttons for shifting gears, and carbon fiber trim for the dashboard, center console, and door.
Need more?
That’s just too damn bad, because it might not be possible.
[Brabus]
[Via: Motor Authority]
[Images Via: Serious Wheels]
Refusing to leave well enough alone, Mercedes-McLaren have taken their SLR supercar and turned it into a club-racing monster, called the SLR 722 GT.
Developed in conjunction with British motorsports company RML Group, and designed for the handful of very rich drivers who can afford to pony up the one million pounds it takes to get behind the wheel of one of the 21 being made, the 722 GT features modifications to the suspension, braking, aerodynamics, interior and exhaust of a normal SLR. In total, more than 400 components have been either replaced or redesigned.
Power comes in the form of a supercharged AMG 5.5L V8 that is rated at 671 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque.
Eye appeal upgrades include a new front apron with front splitter, wide wings, prominent side skirts, a rear diffuser, and an airplane sized wing on the back.
Now, you’ve just got to track down one of those Ferrari FXX Evoluzione owners and challenge him to a race.
Ahh, the life of the rich.
[Via: Motor Authority]
Proving that even a beautiful car can look badass in matte black, the Novitec Rosso F430 TuNero doesn’t just stop at good looks.
Twin compressors force feed the V8 through a new intake system and twin air-to-water inercoolers to produce 707 hp and 525 lb.-ft. of torque. Novitec Race exhaust lets the engine breathe easier for a sweet sound, an integrated aluminum roll cage keeps things safe, and the custom interior, wheels and carbon fiber engine compartment complete the sinister style.
Alongside the dark horse, Walz Hardcore Cycles built a bike to match, and let it share the TuNero name. Featuring a matching matte black paint scheme, a 120 hp RevTech engine, and plenty of sinister style of its own, this bike is sure to draw stares wherever it goes.
Put the two together, and it’s a dark force that not many are ready to handle.
[Novitec Rosso]
[Walz Hardcore Cycles]
When you start with a car that’s as close to perfect as the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 is, there isn’t much room for improvement. Never ones to leave well enough alone though, Edo Competition managed to squeeze out an extra 23 horses from the V12 thanks to a new ECU, airflow, and exhaust, bringing the total to 663 horses and 498 lb-ft of torque.
To complete the package, Edo also added a new rear wing with an adjustable lip, carbon fiber interior trim, and a backup camera.
Oh, and this:
[Edo Competition - Lamborghini Murcielago LP640]
[Via: Jalopnik]
Hamann, a company known for firing up Ferraris and pimping out Porsches, turned its tuning eye towards the Lamborghini LP640 recently, giving the bull quite a bit more brawn with a slew of visual enhancements. The aero upgrades include a front spoiler, rear wing, side sills, a roof-mounted intake, and covers for both the lower and upper intakes. Though available in fiberglass, I suggest the carbon fiber option for true sinister status. In addition to the looks, Hamann also adds a sport exhaust kit with coffee can tips to give some bark to the bite. Finally, “Edition Race” wheels round out the package, finishing off this “Stealth-Bomber on four wheels”.
[Hamann-Motorsports]
[Via: Autoblog]
